Sunday, March 28, 2010

England here we come!



In a few days I shall be in the air and on my way to England, specifically the Lakes district for a well earned holiday.



So, I shall be gone for a few weeks enjoying the sights and sounds, catching up with friends, having a few beers and a laugh but I will drop in from time to time. You all be good whilst I am away!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Striated Thornbill


( not my photo)

Whilst in the National park having breakfast yesterday we spotted a Striated Thornbill. They are about 100mm in length, with buff grey to yellow on the outer feathers. A busy little bird with a cheerful note, it spends its time darting amongest the leaves and flowers of the gum trees, speeding from one tree to another. Their nest is a globe of grasses, leaves and twigs, positioned towards the end of a branch.

It was quite pleasurable to have a billy tea and watch them at work

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Asgard Swamp


Asgard Swamp


The walking track with its distinct gentle curve of a rail line.

A short 7km walk that takes us through a variety of terrain. Whilst not the most spectacular, it nevertheless had a number of very interesting features and surprises.
The track is clearly defined and is situated along the Victoria Falls road. The track was a former rail/tram line that was used to pull the shale oil from the mines that dotted the cliff line. Shale oil was mined here in the late 1800's. In fact many of the walking track in the mountains are as a result of mining activity.


Dave crossing the creek

I did this walk a number of years ago and took a wrong turn missing a couple of great features- the mine itself and a coking oven. Another interesting feature was the pagoda, set next to the swamp it makes and ideal place to camp. On this walk we saw masked lapwing, grey fantail, red robin, Lyre bird and currawong. The bird life was a bit dissapointing, but it is autumn and the day was cloudy. We also spotted a large bird of preys nest, set in the cliff face.


The Pagoda

The walk has a gentle rise and fall, and its only as you approach the mine and oven that care must be taken. I am always disapointed when National Parks do not maintain tracks. Steel spikes protruded out of the ground where steps once had been, potential hazards to make you trip or worse still to cut your leg on.

The mine shaft

Lunch at the mine and a drink before the climb back out was in order and we vowed that we would come back and explore the mine and the surrounds.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

New Family Member

It was with sadness that I bid the Subaru wrx Sti goodbye ( the best car I have ever had) and welcomed this!
"This" is a Mitsubishi Evolution 9.. All wheel drive, fitted with a turbo 2.0 litre engine and six speed gearbox, and a wonderful computer that allows it to be all wheel drive, rear wheel drive, front wheel drive or even just a one wheel drive. This one is fitted with the optional race brakes.. which pull it up on a sixpence.

Its quick. I mean very... make no mistake it can keep up with a Lamborghini . and is a delight to drive.

I shall miss the Subaru. Amazing car, but I am looking forward to getting to know this one... yea, I know......small things amuse... but hey.. I am not shy (smile)